From Trade Barrier to Market Advantage: How Knudsen&CRC and AAVS Are Reshaping China’s Cosmetics Landscape

Just days ago, something unprecedented happened in Shanghai. For the first time, the American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS)—a global leader in the work against animal testing—presented at a scientific conference in China. And Knudsen&CRC was there, side by side, representing them.

The occasion was the 2026 (2nd) Symposium on Cosmetics Safety Assessment and Application of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), held July 3–6 at the Shanghai Pudong Wyndham Hotel. The symposium brought together regulators, scientists, industry leaders, and advocates to discuss a transformation that would have been unthinkable just a decade ago: the systematic shift away from animal testing in China’s cosmetics industry.

A Decade of Transformation

Let’s rewind to 2015. At that time, mandatory animal testing was not just a regulatory requirement in China—it was perhaps the most effective trade barrier for cruelty-free cosmetics brands seeking entry into the world’s second-largest beauty market. International brands that had committed to “no animal testing” faced an agonizing choice: stay true to their ethics or access China.

Knudsen&CRC began its mission that same year. Since then, we have been at the forefront of a transformative journey, working tirelessly to dismantle one of the most significant barriers for international cosmetics brands in China. Through strategic partnerships, innovative pilot projects, and persistent advocacy, we participated in what once seemed impossible: the abolition of mandatory animal testing for imported general cosmetics in China.

Fast forward to 2026, and the landscape could not be more different. The symposium’s very theme— “Innovation in Cosmetics Safety Assessment Systems and the Scientific Application of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)” —reflects how far the conversation has moved. Non-animal testing, computational toxicology, Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA), and Next-Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) are no longer fringe concepts. They are the mainstream topics of serious regulatory discussion in China.

A Historic First for AAVS in China

This brings us to the significance of the moment. AAVS, which manages the trusted Leaping Bunny certification program for cruelty-free cosmetics in the US and Canada, has long been a powerhouse in promoting non-animal methods globally. But never before had they presented at a scientific conference in China.

Knudsen&CRC made that possible. As the sole authorized auditing party for Leaping Bunny US & Canada in China, we have built the bridge between global cruelty-free standards and China’s evolving regulatory framework. Our exclusive partnership with AAVS and Leaping Bunny is not merely symbolic—it is operational. We conduct the rigorous pre-market and post-market audits that ensure Leaping Bunny-approved brands from US can maintain their cruelty-free status while selling in China.

The Symposium: A Resounding Success

And what a symposium it was. The event delivered on every front:

Authoritative Leadership: The symposium was chaired by Dr. Peng Shuangqing, Chief Scientific Officer of Medicilon and Vice President of the Chinese Society of Toxicology, bringing together top minds from regulatory bodies, research institutions, and industry.
Cutting-Edge Content: Sessions covered everything from regulatory reform policy interpretation to next-generation risk assessment strategies, computational toxicology, in vitro models, and AI applications in safety assessment.
International Dialogue: The symposium explicitly addressed EU and international regulatory trends, signaling China’s commitment to global alignment.
Knowledge Building: A full day of continuing education training preceded the main sessions, focusing on the latest regulatory policies and technical applications.

Most importantly, the engagement was palpable. Regulatory professionals, industry leaders, and scientific experts from across China and beyond came together not just to discuss NAMs, but to chart a practical path forward.

Our Voice at the Podium

During the symposium, Knudsen&CRC delivered a professional speech on China’s cosmetics regulatory journey. China’s cosmetics regulatory framework has evolved over three decades from mandatory animal testing toward a Next-Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) strategy, with key policy milestones in 2021 and 2025. Yet critical gaps persist compared to mature international systems: incomplete in vitro methods, insufficient risk-assessment frameworks, lack of data-sharing (including local exposure data), and unclear supply-chain traceability. Recognizing that full global standardization is neither feasible nor scientifically desirable, we propose mutual recognition based on equivalence, transparency, data-sharing, and dispute resolution.

Practical initiatives include the Leaping Bunny China Qualification Program (2021), adapting international certification to Chinese regulations, and the Little Red Rabbit Project (2022) — co-developed with AAVS — which uniquely extends certification to Chinese brands and ingredient suppliers, filling a major gap. In early 2026, we localized the Little Red Rabbit standard into China’s first group standard for non-animal testing guidelines, with the technical center of Shanghai Customs, establishing an evidence-driven, full-supply-chain audit system that supports raw-material grading, product assessment, and proactive safety-by-design.

Leaping Bunny (global consumer trust) and Little Red Rabbit (China-adapted, supplier-inclusive) are complementary to each other. We are now finalizing the first bilateral mutual-recognition framework between China and the U.S./Canada, which will significantly lower cross-market compliance costs and remove the exportation barrier.

This “China Standard + International Mutual Recognition” pathway fosters global coordination, integrates NGRA innovation, and strengthens China’s voice in international standard-setting.

Why This Matters for Your Brand

For international cosmetics brands watching this transformation, the message is clear: what was once a barrier is rapidly becoming a unique selling point.

AAVS brings decades of experience and unmatched credibility in non-animal testing advocacy. Knudsen&CRC brings the on-the-ground regulatory expertise, the government relationships, and the audit infrastructure to make cruelty-free status a reality in China. Together, we are not just observers of change—we are active participants in shaping it.

The symposium confirmed that China’s regulatory authorities are serious about accelerating the transition away from animal testing. The NMPA’s recent policy announcements—including the “full acceptance of alternative methods to animal testing” in June 2026—are not isolated events. They are part of a sustained, multi-year trajectory toward a more ethical, scientifically advanced regulatory system.

The Road Ahead

Knudsen&CRC’s work continues. Our pilot project to replace three mandatory animal tests for sunscreen registration—multiple skin irritation tests, skin allergy tests, and skin phototoxicity tests—with OECD-approved alternative methods is already underway. We are also partnering with government owned bodies to draft industry standards on how to claim “no animal testing” on cosmetics products and ingredients.

But the symposium was a milestone worth celebrating. For the first time, AAVS presented in China—and Knudsen&CRC was honored to represent them.

Ten years ago, cruelty-free brands faced a near-impossible choice. Today, alternative test methods are the topic of conversation at China’s most prestigious scientific forums. Tomorrow, animal testing in cosmetics will be obsolete.

We are proud to be part of that journey. And we invite you to join us.